My Disney World binder

The binder I use is something I designed myself and it includes 8 tabs...

The 8 tabs are labeled:

General Info

Hotel

Dining

Magic Kingdom

Epcot

Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom

Everything Else

The company that I used to order my binder and tabs is no longer available. However, Disney's Zazzle store also has hundreds of cute binders that can even be personalized (and they cost about 1/4 of what mine cost).

To get a Zazzle Disney World binder that feels a lot like mine does, I'd recommend doing these things:

Order the 2 inch option

Choose black for the inside color if it coordinates with the design better than white

Customize it, including uploading an image that can be used on the front cover (FYI: to change the font, click the "f" icon under the font size drop-down box. Took me forever to find it!)

Expand the area below to see some examples that I created when playing around with their options.

Note: Zazzle won't allow you to use the phrase "Disney World" on your design anymore, but I'd suggest "WDW" along with some other text (such as "WDW trip") as an alternative that they will allow.

Black and red styleHow I did it: the red spine and Mickey patterns are part of the style already. I uploaded the front label and back stripe images and then used Zazzle's text tools to add text to the front, spine and back. For the front, this meant having two layers: one for the label and one for the text. Just drag the layers on the Zazzle site to make sure the text lays on top of the label.

Comic Art Mickey MouseHow I did it: just took the design already on Zazzle and used Zazzle's text tool to add the text on the front

Font used on the Zazzle site: Futura Medium

Mickey Retro Polka DotHow I did it: the polka dotted pattern is part of this style already so I uploaded the oval label for the front and used Zazzle's text tool to add two different text layers to the front and 1 to the spine

Fonts used on the Zazzle site:

Front (the year): Roundhand Bold

Front (the rest of the text): Sprocket

Spine: Sprocket

You can download the label here by right-clicking and choosing "save image as":

Creating a digital Disney World binder

Take a look at each section for ideas on what to put in your Disney World binder...

General Info Downloads

In the general info section, I include a map of Walt Disney World as a whole, our trip itinerary, a calendar of the year so I can jot down dates that I need to remember (like making ADRs 180 days in advance) and a chart of which parks are best on each day of our trip.

Although the trip plan should mostly be decided beforehand, it's nice to stay flexible and make changes as needed (plus, I like to let the kids choose what we do on the last day so that's a helpful chart to have as a reference).

Monthly crowd calendars

Transportation map

Trip planning worksheet

Magic Kingdom section

In the Magic Kingdom section, I keep a park map, touring plans and recommended viewing spots. I also like to keep a list of recommended Quick Service dining locations so I know where to head when it's time to eat.

My custom park maps (linked below) include all of that info on 1 map that prints out on 1 piece of paper.

Magic Kingdom park map

Magic Kingdom touring plans

Magic Kingdom entertainment schedule

Buzz Lightyear scoring tips

Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom card list

WDW Prep Members Magic Kingdom map ($)

Epcot section

For Epcot, I like to have a park map, touring plans, and the entertainment schedule (especially since there are so many entertainment options in the World Showcase).

Epcot park map

Epcot touring plans

Epcot entertainment schedule

WDW Prep Member Epcot map ($)

Hollywood Studios section

Not only do I like having a park map and touring plans for Hollywood Studios, but I especially need the entertainment schedule since there are so many shows in this park.

Hollywood Studios park map

Hollywood Studios touring plans

Hollywood Studios entertainment schedule

Toy Story Mania scoring tips

WDW Prep Member Hollywood Studios map ($)

Fantasmic map

Animal Kingdom section

As with the other parks, I include a park map, touring plans and entertainment schedule in the Animal Kingdom section.

Animal Kingdom park map

Animal Kingdom touring plans

Animal Kingdom entertainment schedule

WDW Prep Member Animal Kingdom map ($)

Resort section

In the hotel section of my binder, I put a map of our hotel and things specific to the area (walking paths, viewing locations, etc.).

You may also want to include a general page that includes contact info for your hotel. You can find the address and phone number info here.

Do you have a link where we can find the updated recreation calendars for the resorts? We won’t be going for a year or two and I was wondering if there’s a site where I can check this when it gets closer to our vacation time.
Thanks!

This is wonderful. Being I wouldn’t want to carry anything extra I am going to try and load these forms and informtion into my Onenote app that way its always with me. I can carry this as backup in a suitcase for review. Thank you so much.

Any ideas for the dividers/tabs? I have my binder designed based on your instructions above! I also bought some cute postcards to use. Signing up for the 30 day free trial of zazzle black made shipping free.

I absolutely love the binder idea… i have been trying to get info and plan my familys trip for may of 2018… im a huge list maker and i love being up to date and ahead of everything… i plan way a head of time which gives me the time to make sure we are covering all of our options…. i know i cant get any real prices just yet but i was wondering if there is a step by step list or guide that will help me get everything planned just the way we want it??? something that will show me all of our options… hotel dinning and activities…. Thanks in advance

KatrinaNovember 30, 2016

I’m planning a trip for my boyfriend and I for May of 2018 already too! I hope your family and you have a great time.

You are SO flipping awesome! I was going to buy a filler for an old WDW planner I had but this is SO much better. I did in fact go to Zazzle and personalized the Retro Mickey one for us. Thanks again! I am going to take advantage of WDW Prep School gold level.

Just an FYI, I tried to order a binder from Zazzle and used WDW as the text instead of Walt Disney World as suggested but my order could not be processed due to conflict with their content guidelines. I didn’t add anything else to the binder so the WDW is all that could have been in conflict. Just wanted to put it out there for anyone else who reads this blog.

I love this blog though and it has been super helpful in planning my upcoming Disney vacation so thanks!

MelissaFebruary 29, 2016

Hey kelly,
I just bought a binder today from Zazzle and was able to add the WDW you just have to add other text and it will let it go through 🙂

The hours for the park is that update? because i am looking at disney site and they only have the hours up to July 1st 2016 (last checked on 12.24.15) are the hours you have listed correct? Would like to know so i can plan my dining reservations according to the magic hours. Thank you

Does anyone have a binder and tabs from the paper store exact to the binder and tabs shown on this site that would want to re-sell? We are going in 2016 and the paper store recently switched their minimum quantity to 10.

MurrayJanuary 5, 2016

I also would love to purchase any re-useable tabs. I love the ones that are posted!

JessieApril 13, 2016

I was curious if you ever found anyone who had the pictures dividers. I have a binder but would love to have the dividers/tabs she has but I don’t want to order 10 sets.

There is also something called PassPorter. It’s written by a family of 5. It’s got all kinds of great info, pockets in the back to put tickets and maps and thing, you can write it it and use a highlight as well. I also use tabs to mark important places. It comes with a fold out map of each park as well. All in color. It’s around $25.00 plus tax. I got mine at Books-A-Million. They come out with a revised version every year, and are also working on one for everything to do in Orlando BUT Disney, if you’re interested in going to other parks. It’s also small enough to fit in a small bag, so you can take it inside the park with you!!!

LesliePRJuly 30, 2015

The nice thing about the passporter is if you include a page on what you did every day, our school accepted this as “the journal” that your kid has to keep for educational trips!

Hi there. wow this is so helpful. Is this all up to date and current for this year? We go on our first trip with toddlers this October.

Julie E HeilandJune 25, 2015

Hi Tara,
No, actually, some of this stuff, like some of the maps, is out of date. I love the site and think she is doing everything right, but the truth of the matter is that it is near impossible to keep every single thing up to date. Use her tips about what to include and then look for the information on your own to confirm that you are getting the most timely information for your binder.
Julie

I ordered my binder from zazzle using your link and fell in LOVE with it 🙂 my question is on the dividers….I have found the website but cannot seem to find cute clipart like yours. Where did you get the cute images on the dividers?

Thanks!!

Lea Ann BonsukanMay 26, 2015

I looked on the website for the dividers and I don’t see the disney tabs. Are they pre-made?

Thank you for making this available to us. Your print outs make it so easy. I tried the paper worker site and I couldn’t figure it out for anything. I really want tabs like you have in the photo above. I can’t find a site for a printable front cover. I could try to make my own if I can find a way to use Disney font.

I ordered my binder from zazzle in November and found out today in that they canceled the order due to copyright issues of the words “Disney World”. Customer service said they cannot use the words “Disney” or “Disney World” due to copyright laws.

How did you get around this with having “Disney” printed on your binder?

I wish this issue would be addressed in this blog post so others don’t make the same mistake. I just made my Zazzle binder only to read this comment (and another comment from Oct) with this same issue. Disappointing.

Oh no, I just read your comment! I just placed my order through Zazzle and used “Disney World” on the front and spine. Did they let you edit your product then re-order? Or did you have to start all over?

Thanks for all the information. This is the ONLY place that I have found comprehensive transportation maps and resort maps. Super helpful since our trip will be focused on the holiday atmosphere at Disney, pool time and visiting resorts to bike, see lights and boat. We will have a quick trip to the MK with our toddler for the hard ticket Christmas Party. Hoping to return next fall when he is ready to enjoy the entire experience. On a side note, my comprehensive packing list will include his birth certificate. He will be 2.5 yo but looks/acts at least 3 thanks to his height and love of talking. 🙂

First of all, I love your site! Thank you for putting so much time and effort into all you do! Your WDW Binder is such a wonderful idea; I can’t wait to create my own. The page with all the links for the binder has so much information, but I noticed there isn’t a link for the cute Disney themed tab dividers you have pictured. You did such a great job on them that I was hoping to either purchase them or find directions on how to create my own. I am a firm believer in not trying to re-invent the wheel so if you could point me in the right direction with these, I’d greatly appreciate it! Thanks again for all you do to help those of us who are still a little Disney challenged. 🙂

This website is amazing for 1…Thanks for all of the helpful tips
When I clicked on May Park hours it had Aprils hours instead. I am not sure if it is just me or if anyone else had the same problem…Once again Thanks…

Thank you, Shannon, for ALL of your time and energy! You and your website are so amazing! I get my Disney fix by reading your blog/FB every day. The revised downloads are beyond super. So appreciative!

I have a binder as well with all the information listed above (thanks to you Shannon) …I just need to get some dividers.
I would love it if you would share your ideas on what you do AFTER each of your trips – scrapbooking, picture books on-line, etc. That way if there are special ways you organize your photos, memorabilia, etc I can plan before my trip 🙂

Love the new design of this page. A great way to keep the information fresh! And the Zazzle tips are great. I have some referral credit of my own to use & planned on getting a binder. I never realized you could customize them like that. So cool.

Hello! I tried to look to see if this has been answered before I asked. I do notice that a lot of great information is for 2013. Is this because not much has changed for 2014? My family and I are going in October and I absolutely love all of your information.

I looked to see if you have gotten this question before and didn’t see it. How big is your binder? I am really interested in one, but don’t want to lug around a big school binder, and if it is the size of a regular binder is there an option for a smaller day planner size? Thank you so much!!

Hello! Thanks for all the info! Will you be updating all the above links and printables to reflect 2014 hours/prices, etc.? We are going in late Nov/early Dec this year and I would love the most up to date info/printables!
Thanks in advance!
Missy

Just wanted to share how much I am enjoying your website! I have been to Disney World 25+ times…. (I lost count) but at WDW, there is always something new, something changing, and tips I forget. What a great resource – you are doing a great job with your website!
Thanks,
Denise

Did you make the binder yourself? Like the front and the actual binder (not the tabs)? Because I am interested in making a binder with the same design but for school. so if you could let me know that would be great. thanks 🙂

Hi there! I just stumbled onto your website while looking for clever things to do in Disney and let me just tell you that I love it! I’m very organized myself (planning the whole trip for me and my friend) and I’m OBSESSED with this organization!! However, I do have a couple of questions. 1) Do you remake this binder every time you go on a trip? If not, when do you update all of the information? 2) I probably won’t be able to go on many long trips, mostly 2 night 2 day park visits due to my few days of vacation at my job. I live in GA though so its an easy flight. How do you think would be the best way to organize this binder so that I can make it a multi-trip/annual disney info binder? 3) Do you have any other suggestions to keep myself organized?

HeatherJuly 16, 2013

also where did you find the images for the tabs? Did you just make them in photoshop?

Shannon, your binder and dividers are absolutely amazing! I’m a bit envious! If someone wasn’t as creative (like me) or wanted to save a little money on a binder, I just bought an adorable Tinkerbell binder on sale at Target for $2.00. I’m thinking about just designing my own tabs to insert as dividers. Your maps and other downloads are beyond helpful. Thank you for all you do!

Hi Shannon!
You are awesome & since I would never be able to do one myself I just might have to order yours! Question, do you bring out your whole binder to each park? When I went in May I just had a folder w/each days itinerary. Thanks!!!!!

This binder is fabulous! Talk about inspiration! I’m a DIY scrapbook girl but the organization of this has helped tremendously! I was wondering if you have any updated links for MK photopass maps with the Fantasyland expansion!? Thanks so much for all of the tips and downloads!

Shannon… OMG!! You have totally put my Disney planning obsession to shame. I’ve just been waiting for the summer 2014 reservations to open up so that we can book our trip and I think that I must have a planning binder. Thank you for all of the fab ideas… love it!

Hi Shannon!
I have been surfing your website for days now planning our upcoming trip in April. I LOVE your binder layout and you make it all so easy to recreate! I was just wondering where you have your printing done for some of the items (i.e. maps) that have a lot of color and detail. Thanks for all of your hard work on this site, it has been incredibly helpful.

This is AMAZING!!! I am completely overwhelmed, but I hope the more I look at your site and study some of the things, I will understand a little better. Trying to plan our first Disney trip this summer 🙂 I see that you have updated most of the stuff for 2013…do you know where can i find park hours for 2013?

It’s a binder, not a scrapbook (I got it from an office supply place). I like the larger binder to fit all of the various info that I have. Many people have smaller binders and that seems to work for them.

I am making one thanks to this awesome idea!! I made dividers, similar to yours, but in princess colors since we are planning the trip around my 5 year old DD and her LOVE for all things Disney Princess. I’ve been working on it for at least 3 weeks and I have lots more to do, but you are AMAZING – for making this, sharing this, and encouraging others to do so as well! Thanks a million!!

I found the pin on Pinterest and also commented. I would LOVE to have a binder like this but am not sure I could do such a wonderful job if I designed it myself. Please let us know if they make the exception!

Just wanted to say that, on the topic of the Toy Story
Midway Mania game, there is a tip that I know. In Sept. 2012, my
dad and I found out that when you’re on the final round with the
two targets, you get more points alot faster if you both shoot at
the same target.

I think I just died and went to Disney heaven. What a
lovely binder and a great idea to keep everything organised. I
create an itenerary binder for each of my trips but never something
like this printed (as I have it all in iBooks on my ipad) but this
is lovely to keep. I’m currently planning my 3 week trip for
sept/oct 2013 and finding all these fab websites such as yours to
help. 🙂

Glad you like the site! I’m a gadget freak, but there’s something about having it printed and organized in front of me that makes me happy (especially if a cute binder is involved :D).

LaurenApril 8, 2013

Me too! I love being able to see it and flip through the pages, haha! I had our honeymoon organized into a binder…not a super cute one, but a binder. It helped a lot, but so many people looked at me like I was odd. Not sure why! But this was Germany so who knows, lol. Better safe than sorry, and organized is definitely safe!

I am so happy I found this though, I was already typing up things to print out but this makes it so much easier! Especially maps and schedules. Thanks!!

Shannon – just wondering where you would include your flight info – just booked our flights today! 🙂 I was thinking of putting it in general info, but it would kind of fit in Everything Else, along with the airport map? I guess it really does not matter, but looking to stay as organized as possible. Next step, booking our resort, probably in the next couple of weeks! 🙂 The binder is starting to fill up! 🙂

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